PLEASE READ - TheGreenEscape

ETA: Thank you so much for your kind words! Again, as stated previously, I’m not telling anyone what to do with their money. If you want to buy from them, great! If you don’t, great! It’s entirely your decision. I have nothing but kind words to say regarding the warehouse employees, I made more friends there than I have in prior work settings. The warehouse employees are some of the sweetest people I have ever met, and I’m so lucky to have them in my life. I wouldn’t trade my experience because I worked with people who made the days lovely. Every business has its flaws, but again, you don’t have to listen to me or my experience. I just wanted to put the information out, primarily because I did not find much about their working conditions when I was deciding to work there and want anyone considering working for them to know what may happen day-to-day so they can determine if it is something they are comfortable doing.

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Hi all, I have previously worked for TheGreenEscape and wanted to share some background regarding the business practices that take place behind the scenes. I left the company for reasons unrelated, however, I feel these things should be considered if you are planning to purchase through them. I am not trying to tell you what to do either way, I just wanted to share some information about them if you are planning on purchasing/working with them.

EMPLOYEE RULES/WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Conditions are strenuous, and 95% of employees work in warehouses with no AC all year round in FL. Temperatures are regularly 85F+
  • The greenhouse is temperature controlled, but you are only allowed to be in there when they pick the plants in the mornings.
  • Water is supplied, but you are only allowed to drink it on the property and in very short increments. You cannot drink water and stop working for ANY reason.
  • If you need to sit down for a few minutes, you will get in trouble. You are expected to be on your feet for the entire day, and sitting is prohibited unless you are wrapping a plant with Polyfil.
  • You are not allowed to have conversations with coworkers unless it is work-related, and even then, you must be picking/packaging as you do so. Walking over to another employee to ask a question is not allowed.
  • If you are too slow, you’re out. They want quantity over quality.
  • They do not want any ideas about how conditions may be improved. Employees have been fired for giving ideas.
  • Learn from the other employees! The employees packing the plants are WONDERFUL people, they are all very sweet and helpful. If you have a question, ask them. Do not ask management.
  • No phones. No exceptions.
  • If you are caught helping others, you will be yelled at by the GM. If you are assigned to a different area of the team and are asked to provide information (ex. Where is this plant located in the greenhouse), you will get pulled into the office and told that your behavior is unacceptable.

PLANT CARE

  • In terms of plant listings, the company makes separate listings for starters, 2”, 4”, and 6” pots. Then, they claim that each listing counts as a separate species of plant and advertise having a diverse collection when in reality, it’s way less. (Ex. Hoya carnosa compacta has 4 listings for different sizes. Those 4 listings get counted as 4 different species, when in reality, it’s one plant.). Also, the 2 plant requirement is needed so it drives up profit.
  • They make listings based on the scientific name and common name, and count them as two different species (ex. Hoya carnosa compacta vs. Hoya hindu rope, advertised as two different species despite it being the same thing)
  • Starters are the most common sales, primarily because anything larger costs more money to ship. Starter plant = smaller box = cheaper shipping.
  • Plants are primarily not grown in house. They are brought in from various suppliers, some sourced from the USA and some imported.
  • The primary goal is to sell as many plants as possible (which makes sense for a plant nursery). If a plant is barely rooted, then it is acceptable. Growing out cuttings into established plants takes too long, and ultimately costs too much money.
  • Plants are sprayed with pesticides twice a week.
  • Starter plants are cuttings, and 2” pots are starter plugs in a 2” pot. They’re the same thing, the only difference is paying for the pot.
  • If a plant may rot, they will still send it out. The hope is that the plant will die outside of the return window so they are unable to be refunded.
  • Alocasias, Colocasias, Begonias, Calatheas, and carnivorous plants are very likely to arrive in poor condition. They do not ship well.
  • Proper time is not taken to care for the plants. At the end of the day, the greenhouse is run by a very small amount of people and they are overworked and not allowed to take the time needed to care for plants how they want to. This is not their fault, it is entirely on management.
  • The primary goal is to get plants in and out as fast as possible. If extra time is needed for a plant, it will not be taken.
  • Pots are not sanitized after use.
  • There is a communal soil bin, and used soil from prior plants are added to it. That same soil is then added to new plants being potted up and sold to consumers. No sanitation is performed.

MANAGEMENT

  • The company is family run and management primarily consists of the three family members.
  • The primary goal is profit.
  • There are over 300 messages per day that are sent to the Etsy shop. 90% are refunds/replacements.
  • Management is unwilling to hear any concerns or improvements for the company.
  • The mood of the day is primarily run by the GM. If they are in a bad mood, expect a more difficult day.
  • If you give the store a 1-star rating, you may receive a message to change your review to a 5-star rating. If you do, you will receive a free plant.
  • The primary benefit the employees receive is a birthday cake of their choosing on their birthday.

At the end of the day, it is what it is. Again, I just wanted to express some of the things I have seen while working for this company. It is up to you to decide what you would like to do with this information. If you have made it this far, thank you so much for reading.